Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-02


boy became IN able worker in bronze
and marble. subsequently he engaged
in agriculture and rose to be manager
on plantation in the raising and man
ufactre Of two OF Guatemala's chief
products-suear and rum In 1850 he
secured clerkship in the State De-
paltmcnt, which he held for FIVE years.
His next venture in life WAS that Of
becoming a merchant. While engaged
in the maIts Of trade and commerce
he studied law, became n notary pub
lie, and in 1860 was admitted to the
bar.
From 1860 to 1871 Senior Lainfesta
practiccd his profession with success.
When General Barrios became PresJ-
dent Of the republic he offered Lain
fiesta the portfolio Of Public Works,
which be accepted and filed with abili-
ty, being very energetic and enthusiast
tic in the promotion Of all works Of in
ternal improvement. In 1874 he pro-
ceeded TO New York for the purpose Of
procuring American teachers for the
public schools of Guatemala, and re-
turned with several efficient instructors,
both male and female. who were EN-
ployed rs teachers Of the English
branches in the schools Of the capital
city OF the republic. Two years after,
he was Minister of Public Works for
about eight months, and in 1888 he the
third time accepted the same Office,
which he held till 1885, when Presi-
dent Barrios died and the Conserva-
tiyos went into power. Elected b Con-
grcss, he was made President Of the
House Of Deputies. and presided over
its meetings in 1880, 1881, 1889, and
lSS3-four years. Congress designated
Senior Laintiesta Vice. President OF Qua
temala for one year.
For the past twelve to fifteen years
this distinguished man has been q con
tributor 70 the newspapers and maya
zines. Heis the author OF several pam
phlets sent abroad recounting the re-
sources ond satisfies of Guatemala and
inviting capital and labor to a hospita-
bic welcome in that country. BarriOs,
il will be remembered, was anxious TO
see all of the Central American repub-
lies united in one powerful contedera-
ton Ike that of the United States,
for sef-protection. This was the great
object Of his life, aud he was using
his best endeavots 10 accomplish
it when he was slain in battle. The
scheme was thus perhaps only tempo
rarily defeated, for there is 10 knowing
what lies in the future. Many leading
Guatemalans think Mexico wants to
strengthen and enlarge her domain by
absorbing the Central American repub-
lies, and are bitterly opposed to it.
Their view is probably shared by clti-
zens Of the other republics neighboring
to Guatemala, and it is impossible to
say what may result in the way of com
mon action by the States Of Central
America under the apprehension OF
danger from powerful neighbOr.
Lainfiesta is the author OF two books,
one treating the subject of political
progress in a witty and humorous man
ner. Its publication caused a sensa-
ton, exciting the indignation of his
political opponents to high degree
The writer says that as the Conserva-
tiyes could not burn him for the
laughter and merriment his book
occasioned at their expense, they
burned all the copies OF it which
they could lay their hands on. Lain.
fiesta is a deyout Catholic, and sees
no lncompatibility between loyalty to
his faith and the encouragement OF
everything that assists true progress in
the State. The volume OF poems which
he has given to the world is said to
show his mastery OF both grave and
gay verses. Tie is now preparing for
the press history of President Bar
rios and the revolution in Guatemala,
in which he will give the results OF his
confidential intimacy with that states
man. IL is interesting to note that
LaiDfiesta is member OF the Histori-
cal and Literary Society Of Iowa.
He was married in 1860. The fruits
of the union are ten children--six
daughters and four sons. His eldest
boy has betn IN Newark. n. j., for a
year, learning 10 be machiaist, with q
view TO future usefulness in his native
land. The good common sense and
practical turn OF mind exhibited by
Iainfesta, who is now in the prime OF
life, are promising OF valuable results
TO bis country from tho advantages he
possesses as its representative 10 Wash